1
: preserved in a sealed can or jar
canned peaches
canned pumpkin
2
a
: prepared or recorded in advance
especially
: prepared in standardized form for nonspecific use or wide distribution
canned laughter
canned music
b
: lacking originality or individuality as if mass-produced
a canned speech
3
slang
: drunk sense 1a
Examples of canned in a Sentence
The salesperson kept using the same canned phrases.
there's a canned quality to the screenplay that reminds you of countless other action movies
Recent Examples on the Web
In eight states, including Stateside’s Pennsylvania, laws have also recently changed to allow canned cocktails to sell more freely.
—
Chloe Sorvino, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
Over the decades, the company exponentially grew its operations, expanding to multiple lines of canned and microwavable goods.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 July 2025
Both Donofrio and Vora employ canned chipotles in adobo, tomato paste, garlic, onion and tomatoes.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2025
Price: Tuna is often more affordable, with a can of light tuna costing around $1–2, while canned salmon typically ranges from $3–5.
—Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for canned
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Chloe Sorvino, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
Over the decades, the company exponentially grew its operations, expanding to multiple lines of canned and microwavable goods.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 July 2025
Both Donofrio and Vora employ canned chipotles in adobo, tomato paste, garlic, onion and tomatoes.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2025
Price: Tuna is often more affordable, with a can of light tuna costing around $1–2, while canned salmon typically ranges from $3–5.
—Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for canned
Cite this Entry
“Canned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canned. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
canned
adjective1
: preserved in a sealed can or jar
canned peaches
2
a
: prepared or recorded in advance
especially
: prepared in one form for ordinary use or wide distribution
canned laughter
b
: lacking originality as if mass-produced
a canned speech
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share